About Royalston Falls

Follow a descending trail that leads to a deep, ancient gorge carved by prehistoric glacial meltwater to falls that plunge 45 feet into a basin.

What makes Royalston Falls a special place?We think it’s the remote location of the waterfalls – well worth the 0.8-mile descent to the edge a half-hidden ravine! Carved over the ages by Falls Brook, the boisterous cascade plunges 45 feet into an icy pool, sending up a misty spray through the thick forest hugging the gorge. A shelter on the trail offers a great resting spot.

As you make your way into the ravine, the dramatic falls remain hidden within an emerald cloak of dense forest and ferns. The flume appears suddenly, as if to offer a sensory reward for your exertions. In winter, freezing spray creates a fantastic landscape of ice.

Please note: The trek is not an easy one – and can be very wet in places, so you should use extreme caution when walking here.

The Forest’s ComebackFrom the time of the first wave of European settlers in the 17th century, much of the Massachusetts forest was cut down for agricultural fields and pastures, firewood, and timber. Such wholesale land clearing continued into the 19th century until New England farmers abandoned their fields and headed west in search of richer, less rocky soil.

Today, the resurgent forest continues to slowly erase all remnants of human activity from more than a century ago.

But at this reservation, the forces of nature manifest themselves in ways other than just flora reclaiming its own; Falls Brook not only carved the flume but also fashioned a series of natural bridges through the bedrock just upstream.

A large group shelter, which overlooks Falls Brook, is available for overnight hikers. The shelter is located on the reservation near the intersection where the Metacomet-Monadnock Trail diverges from the Tully Trail.

A Tale of Two TrailsThe primary access route to the falls is along a short stretch of the Tully Trail, a 22-mile loop encircling the scenic Tully Valley. But this 0.8-mile pathway down to Falls Brook is also part of the much longer Metacomet-Monadnock Trail. The M-M Trail extends for 117 miles from the border with Connecticut near Springfield to Mount Monadnock in southwest New Hampshire.

Trails1.5 miles of trails. Moderate hiking, strenuous in places. The trail is rugged and wet in places, so use extreme caution when hiking.

When to VisitYear-round, daily, sunrise to sunset. Allow a minimum of 1 hour.

FacilitiesInterested in camping near Royalston Falls? Check out the Tully Lake Campground, also in Royalston.

Regulations & Advisories

Parents are encouraged to keep their children under close supervision in the areas surrounding the falls. Because of its difficult terrain and natural hazards, this trail is not recommended for children under the age of six.

Directions

From Rt. 2, take Exit 18, Rt. 2A West. Follow into Athol. At the intersection of Rts. 2A and 32 in Athol, cross Millers River Bridge and bear right onto Chestnut Hill Rd. (becomes Athol Rd.) north toward Royalston. From Royalston Center, follow Rt. 68 North until it ends. Turn right onto Rt. 32 North and follow for 1.7 mi. to entrance on right. Enter the reservation via the marked Tully Trail.

Admission

When to VisitYear-round, daily, sunrise to sunset. Allow a minimum of 1 hour.

AdmissionFREE to all

Property History

Walking through this quiet region of north-central Massachusetts, it’s hard to imagine the heavily forested landscape’s former incarnation – as a local farmer/entrepreneur’s recreation park. Before becoming known as Royalston Falls, the imposing chute was called Forbes Falls. In the 1840s, Calvin Forbes owned and worked the land, which for generations had been cleared for crop production and livestock grazing.

Forbes also added people-friendly attractions. Couples and families could enjoy walks and picnics, and listen to music, all against the spectacular backdrop of the falls. There were swings and picnic tables, a variety of walkways, even a staircase leading to the roaring base of the falls themselves. People were learning that fresh air and exercise could have healthful effects on their hard lives. Like today, visitors could hike, fish, ride horses, or just study nature within a beautiful natural setting. At the top of the granite face, according to historical records, there was even erected a (short-lived) casino, where live bands played and couples danced!

Property Acquisition HistoryGift of Mr. and Mrs. George L. Foote in 1951 and 1954. Additional land purchased in 2002.

Ongoing Volunteer Opportunities

Click here to view all ongoing volunteer opportunities available at Royalston Falls and the rest of our reservations.

There are no volunteer positions at this reservation at this time; please check again later or click here to find other opportunities near you.

One-time Volunteer Opportunities

There are no work parties at this reservation at this time; please check again later or click here to find other work parties near you.

Conservation and Stewardship

Management Planning for Our Properties

Since 1891, The Trustees of Reservations have worked to protect special places in Massachusetts and maintain them to the highest standards. To ensure these standards are met, a program of careful planning and sound management is essential. Comprehensive property management plans are created for each reservation and are completely updated approximately every ten years. We often work with volunteers, property users, and members of the community to carry out this planning, which typically involves several steps:

Describing in detail the site’s natural, scenic, and historical resources; identifying management issues related to the protection of those resources.

Describing how visitors use the property; outlining the opportunities that the property provides for people to become involved in the work of conservation and caring for their community.

Developing a detailed list of management recommendations, a work plan, and a description of financial needs for implementing the actions.

Developing a prescribed routine management program for the reservation that will guide staff work plans, volunteer involvement, and the allocation of human and financial resources.

Maps and Resources

Printed maps of the Tully Trail are distributed free from the bulletin board in the parking area. Please understand that supplies periodically run out. We recommend that you download a trail map before you visit.

Planning Your Visit

Before You GoWe encourage you to visit as many Trustees properties as you can.

Wherever your travels take you, please observe all posted regulations, follow special instructions from property staff, and keep in mind the Stewardship Code: